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Bearing Surfaces

Older total hips had a ball which was significantly smaller that the natural ball of the hip. This smaller ball was much easier to dislocate, or dislodge from the socket that newer larger balls.

All total hips have a ball which fits into a socket. Historically, this has been a small metal ball measuring 28 - 32mm in diameter, which is about 1 to 1-1/2 inch. This ball fits into a polyethylene or plastic socket. Originally, total hip arthroplasty was reserved for older, disabled patients. Although polyethylene is a very good material for these patients, in younger patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, the greater activity and longer life expectancy may lead to wearing out of this polyethylene. Other materials have been developed which are less prone to wear.